The Cortez Journal encourages people to submit announcements about upcoming events for the Community Calendar. Send announcements to news@cortezjournal.com. Items submitted at least two weeks in advance will have a better chance of getting published; items submitted several days before the event might not get published. For more information, call the Journal at 565-8527.
Fly-tying classes taught by Dolores River Anglers
Fly-tying classes return to the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St., starting on Tuesday, Jan. 8 and will continue for seven weeks. Classes will be upstairs at the Center, and hosted by the Dolores River Anglers (Trout Unlimited) For details, contact Brad at 759-0175.
'Architectural Documentation of Spring House' presentation
The Hisatsinom Chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Society is pleased to present Dr. Patricia Flint Lacey on Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St., Cortez, to discuss "Architectural Documentation of Spring House," a large unexcavated cliff dwelling on Long Mesa at Mesa Verde National Park. Spring House has nearly 85 rooms and seven kivas, similar in size to Spruce Tree House. In the upper part of the Spring House alcove there are eight rooms with remarkable preservation of their wood, adobe floors, and pink and tan plastered walls.
Patricia Flint Lacey came to southwest Colorado in 1982 to work on the Dolores Archaeological Project after completing her doctoral studies in anthropology at the University of Oregon. Over the last 30 years she has worked and volunteered for the BLM Anasazi Heritage Center as a museum educator and researcher. She has worked for Mesa Verde for the the past two years. For more information, contact Diane McBride at 560-1643.
McElmo Flume historic preservation program
Montezuma County Historical Society is sponsoring a free program on the restoration of the McElmo Flume. The date is Thursday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Hampton Hall, 515 N. Park St., Cortez. Hot drinks and cookies will be served. Linda Towle, local historic preservation consultant, will present a talk, "Saving the McElmo Creek Flume." She will briefly review the history of this local water delivery system developed in the late 1890's. Of the 105 wooden flumes in the system, the McElmo Flume is the only one left in existence.
The McElmo Flume was declared an Endangered Place in 2011; since then, Montezuma County has received two grants to assess its condition and develop a plan for it's preservation. The flume is located next to Hwy. 160 and can be interpreted to visitors traveling the Trail of the Ancients and the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byways. Linda will also discuss the grant from the Federal Byways program to build a paved pullout and formal display for the flume.
For more information, contact Phil and Vivienne Kenyon, Program Chair at 565-7714.
Southwest Open School student art show, opening reception
The Cortez Cultural Center gallery will feature amazing art by Southwest Open School students from Wednesday, Jan. 9 through Jan. 19, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. An opening reception is to be held Friday, Jan. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. You may be viewing the artwork of the next famous artist from the area. The Center is at 25 N. Market St. Join us on Facebook or call 565-1151 for more information.
Winter Discovery Walk near Echo Basin
Join San Juan Mountains Association on Saturday, Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon for the fourth program in the Southwest Colorado Winter Ecology Series: a Winter Discovery Walk for Families in Echo Basin area, near Mancos. We will focus on animals in winter, as well as snow studies. Learn about tracks - is a snowshoe hare a bounder, waddler or galloper? And examine snowflakes - are there really no two snowflakes that are exactly alike? For ages 4-10, accompanied by an adult. Snowshoes are provided if needed. There is no charge for the Discovery Walks.
Participants should meet at the end of plowed County Road 566, Mancos. Contact SJMA to register for this walk (preregistration requested), or schedule your own Winter Discovery Walk at 759-1170 or gabi@sjma.org. Walks can take place on easy terrain near Cortez, Mancos, Dolores or Durango.
'Conifers Coexist at Cascade Creek' winter nature tour
A winter nature tour, Conifers Coexist at Cascade Creek, will take place Saturday morning, Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. Folks of all ages are invited to go snowshoeing with the San Juan Mountains Association, in partnership with San Juan National Forest, and certified interpretive guide MK Thompson. Explore the variety of evergreen trees in the Cascade area along with other winter ecology wonders. Snowshoes are available for kids under 120 pounds. Email or call today to reserve your spots! Contact MK@sjma.org or 759-9113. Various tours are offered throughout the winter.
'Happy Trails' Sweetheart Ball
The 7th annual "Happy Trails" Sweetheart Ball, a benefit for the Cortez Cultural Center, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Jan. 8 and will be sold through Jan. 26, at $40 per person or $400 for a table of ten with business logo or family name. The event includes dinner with a choice of rib eye steak or chicken cordon bleu, live entertainment Grand Ole Opry style and dancing to follow. Who knows who may join us? Dolly Parton? Johnny Cash? Or even Roy Rogers? For more information or to purchase tickets, call 565-1151.
Incredible Years parenting classes
The Pinon Project will offer a series of free parenting classes beginning Tuesday, Feb. 12, and lasting 14 weeks. The Incredible Years is a curriculum targeting parents of children 2 to 8 years of age and is proven effective. If you are looking for more effective ways to discipline and want to build a more positive relationship with your child, this is the program for you. Classes will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Pinon Project, 300 N. Elm St. Dinner and childcare are provided. To register, please contact Lara Blair at 564-1195. Space is limited, so sign up soon.